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Tall, Dark and Darcy #1
Tall, Dark and Darcy: A Pride and Prejudice Variation
Compromise. Kidnap. Murder. Madness.
And it all began at the Netherfield Ball…
Ensnared in compromise; Elizabeth Bennet receives four offers of marriage.
Not one is welcome.
She could wish her life somewhat less eventful.
Tall, dark, and impossibly handsome,
Darcy strides into every drama where someone needs help or assistance.
But why, in heaven’s name, did he have to embroil himself this time?
He knows the answer. The thought of seeing Miss Elizabeth Bennet wed to his friend would torture him forever.
But who would try and compromise her with another?
And who will not accept their marriage must be the end of their plot?
When Elizabeth vanishes, he must begin a desperate search to find her before it’s too late — for both of them.
Tall, Dark and Darcy is a sweet and clean Regency novel of 84,000 words.
And it all began at the Netherfield Ball…
Ensnared in compromise; Elizabeth Bennet receives four offers of marriage.
Not one is welcome.
She could wish her life somewhat less eventful.
Tall, dark, and impossibly handsome,
Darcy strides into every drama where someone needs help or assistance.
But why, in heaven’s name, did he have to embroil himself this time?
He knows the answer. The thought of seeing Miss Elizabeth Bennet wed to his friend would torture him forever.
But who would try and compromise her with another?
And who will not accept their marriage must be the end of their plot?
When Elizabeth vanishes, he must begin a desperate search to find her before it’s too late — for both of them.
Tall, Dark and Darcy is a sweet and clean Regency novel of 84,000 words.
- GenresRomance
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2020
77 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 12, 2021
I do have to agree with the comments about how some threads in this story are left dangling: Wickham, the carriage accident, etc. However, despite that I do like FMS stories and angst which this story had.
As the blurb tells us, Elizabeth is compromised and receives 4 offers of marriage. She has valid reasons in her own mind not to want to marry any of the gentlemen but reasons out that she must accept Darcy if she wants Jane to have the man she loves, Bingley. Elizabeth does know that Darcy is deceiving her (and others) when he gives his reason for offering for her.
With the scandal of her compromise and the 4 offers of marriage Darcy also determines that 1.) Elizabeth must be viewed with him in London vs. hiding away at Pemberley so that 2.) society can see that she is not pregnant and following that he must abstain from visiting her bed for a minimum of four months.
Then while in London visiting a modiste Elizabeth is kidnapped and her servant girl assaulted so badly that she later dies. Elizabeth learns that not only was she to be stolen away but that the person who paid the assailants also wanted her dead! She is taken to a remote isolated location and left there to serve an older couple. Her efforts to save herself make for an interesting part of the story.
The angst does not end when Elizabeth is able to find her way home. The person who planned her death has not disappeared. I'll let you read to find out the rest. I enjoyed this story and it did keep my attention.
As the blurb tells us, Elizabeth is compromised and receives 4 offers of marriage. She has valid reasons in her own mind not to want to marry any of the gentlemen but reasons out that she must accept Darcy if she wants Jane to have the man she loves, Bingley. Elizabeth does know that Darcy is deceiving her (and others) when he gives his reason for offering for her.
With the scandal of her compromise and the 4 offers of marriage Darcy also determines that 1.) Elizabeth must be viewed with him in London vs. hiding away at Pemberley so that 2.) society can see that she is not pregnant and following that he must abstain from visiting her bed for a minimum of four months.
Then while in London visiting a modiste Elizabeth is kidnapped and her servant girl assaulted so badly that she later dies. Elizabeth learns that not only was she to be stolen away but that the person who paid the assailants also wanted her dead! She is taken to a remote isolated location and left there to serve an older couple. Her efforts to save herself make for an interesting part of the story.
The angst does not end when Elizabeth is able to find her way home. The person who planned her death has not disappeared. I'll let you read to find out the rest. I enjoyed this story and it did keep my attention.
December 11, 2020
Not a bad story but a very disappointing ending.
We never really learn about the assistant villain.
The Wickham story never resolves.
We never learn about the carriage accident from years before.
The story just chugs along, and then stops.
We never really learn about the assistant villain.
The Wickham story never resolves.
We never learn about the carriage accident from years before.
The story just chugs along, and then stops.
January 20, 2022
“Yes, death is far less dire to contemplate
Than a forced marriage to an unloved mate.”
–Richard Wilbur, The School for Husbands
>>Rating: PG-17: due to violence, deaths, kidnapping, murder, attempted murder, and insanity.
>>Angst Level: low-to-medium as tensions rose throughout the story. My heart rate increased when villains kidnapped our dear girl with instructions to kill her. OMG! I couldn’t believe it.
>>Source: Borrowed from KU with no expectations of a review: The views and opinions expressed are my own. Book 1/3 in the Tall, Dark, and Darcy series.
>>Trope: FMS [forced-marriage-scenario] Compromise.
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
“Children need to be taught about forced marriage and how an arranged wedding can be a forced marriage if either party doesn’t freely consent to it.” –Davinder Kaur, FORCED TO MARRY HIM: A Lifetime of tradition and the Will to Break It
When a compromise attempt failed, trapping the wrong people, Darcy came to the rescue. Netherfield Park had a secret that few knew about and Darcy used it to his advantage. I rather enjoyed watching our-dear-couple [ODC] crash and burn as they tried to make heads and tails of just what happened in the library the night of the Netherfield Ball.
We had to deal with the stubborn Lizzy trope that gets on my nerves. However, even though our author tempered her, I still wanted to shake her at times. One thing for sure stood out with her character… our Lizzy was no pushover. That girl could and would fight for right when she had to and she was smart.
Bingley was another surprise. I liked him. I don’t want Jane to have a wimpy Bingley. However, there was only so much the poor boy could do with his pernicious sister. Mrs. Hurst wasn’t so bad and was actually a nice surprise. I liked her as well. Caroline, on the other hand, was a pistol fully loaded and ready for bear… and that was… taking Miss Elizabeth Bennet down.
Stellar moment: Lady Catherine de Bourgh going toe-to-toe with Miss Caroline Bingley. OMG! I’ve never seen it played out that way before. Lady C then stormed Darcy House and shocked the socks off our Darcy. That was way too cool. I didn’t know Lady C had it in her. I loved that part.
Tall, Dark, and Darcy series:
Book 1: Tall, Dark, and Darcy
Book 2: As a Moth to the Flame
Book 3: Fighting Fate
Than a forced marriage to an unloved mate.”
–Richard Wilbur, The School for Husbands
>>Rating: PG-17: due to violence, deaths, kidnapping, murder, attempted murder, and insanity.
>>Angst Level: low-to-medium as tensions rose throughout the story. My heart rate increased when villains kidnapped our dear girl with instructions to kill her. OMG! I couldn’t believe it.
>>Source: Borrowed from KU with no expectations of a review: The views and opinions expressed are my own. Book 1/3 in the Tall, Dark, and Darcy series.
>>Trope: FMS [forced-marriage-scenario] Compromise.
SPOILER ALERT: This review may contain *** SPOILERS ***
“Children need to be taught about forced marriage and how an arranged wedding can be a forced marriage if either party doesn’t freely consent to it.” –Davinder Kaur, FORCED TO MARRY HIM: A Lifetime of tradition and the Will to Break It
When a compromise attempt failed, trapping the wrong people, Darcy came to the rescue. Netherfield Park had a secret that few knew about and Darcy used it to his advantage. I rather enjoyed watching our-dear-couple [ODC] crash and burn as they tried to make heads and tails of just what happened in the library the night of the Netherfield Ball.
We had to deal with the stubborn Lizzy trope that gets on my nerves. However, even though our author tempered her, I still wanted to shake her at times. One thing for sure stood out with her character… our Lizzy was no pushover. That girl could and would fight for right when she had to and she was smart.
Bingley was another surprise. I liked him. I don’t want Jane to have a wimpy Bingley. However, there was only so much the poor boy could do with his pernicious sister. Mrs. Hurst wasn’t so bad and was actually a nice surprise. I liked her as well. Caroline, on the other hand, was a pistol fully loaded and ready for bear… and that was… taking Miss Elizabeth Bennet down.
Stellar moment: Lady Catherine de Bourgh going toe-to-toe with Miss Caroline Bingley. OMG! I’ve never seen it played out that way before. Lady C then stormed Darcy House and shocked the socks off our Darcy. That was way too cool. I didn’t know Lady C had it in her. I loved that part.
Tall, Dark, and Darcy series:
Book 1: Tall, Dark, and Darcy
Book 2: As a Moth to the Flame
Book 3: Fighting Fate
May 27, 2024
A good multi-trope variation
Reviewing this book from the series’ audiobook boxed set. The narration by Rafe Beckley is very good. His voice is resonant—deep and rich, and his performance is good, but I’d like to hear a little more emotion in his expressions, when the scene commands it. I feel the narration sometimes slipped into a straight read. Still very good though.
I enjoyed the multi-trope story too, which features a very determined and crazy Caroline. I especially enjoyed Bingley’s portrayal, a rare look at him as an especially clever character.
Reviewing this book from the series’ audiobook boxed set. The narration by Rafe Beckley is very good. His voice is resonant—deep and rich, and his performance is good, but I’d like to hear a little more emotion in his expressions, when the scene commands it. I feel the narration sometimes slipped into a straight read. Still very good though.
I enjoyed the multi-trope story too, which features a very determined and crazy Caroline. I especially enjoyed Bingley’s portrayal, a rare look at him as an especially clever character.
December 4, 2020
Decent kidnap story
Decent kidnap story but the emotions in were nonexistent or flat. Even worse, many times they seemed wrong. I didn’t enjoy story because I often didn’t know if what the author might be telling about a scene was what was really happening.
Decent kidnap story but the emotions in were nonexistent or flat. Even worse, many times they seemed wrong. I didn’t enjoy story because I often didn’t know if what the author might be telling about a scene was what was really happening.
March 25, 2022
I think this is a story marriage counsellors should give their patients to show what happens when damage non communication can do. Really? All they needed was a room with a lock and some water, to wet their throats and most of the story would have been unnecessary. I really wanted to shake some sense into both, especially Elizabeth because Darcy was always standing in the sidelines wringing his hands not knowing how to communicate but she was able to talk to anybody and everybody about everything but not her husband and not about their marriage. And really what is the use of tall, dark and Darcy if he can't even carry his wife with two injured feet? And why does it feel as if many things are left hanging as if the author ran out of paper? Expected better.
December 29, 2020
Well he is I enjoyed this version very much.
Harriet is an interesting author with quite unique ideas.
Harriet is an interesting author with quite unique ideas.
August 15, 2022
Maddening
The title has nothing to do with anything pertaining to this story. SPOILERS below.
I struggled with this particular story. I was tempted to throw in the towel a few times thinking it will get better, but it didn't. There were so many things that annoyed me- Elizabeth being the main culprit. She definitely had a conceited independence about her. A section of this story went on for too long about Elizabeth's aching feet...ugh. She wouldn't follow orders to rest, so everyone had to jump through hoops and move furniture from room to room to accommodate her.
Then there is Darcy with silly secrets that isn't even worth being hidden.
Caroline- Why would Caroline be allowed to enter Darcy's home after she went to his family members homes uninvited to prevent and annul the marriage? To make matters worse Darcy and Elizabeth went to stay at Netherfield with the women (Caroline) under roof who they suspect tried to murder Elizabeth? Why would Elizabeth bring Caroline tea and asking Darcy to take tea to Caroline and pull out Caroline's chair?
There were too many things that didn't make sense for me to enjoy. The book started off well.
The title has nothing to do with anything pertaining to this story. SPOILERS below.
I struggled with this particular story. I was tempted to throw in the towel a few times thinking it will get better, but it didn't. There were so many things that annoyed me- Elizabeth being the main culprit. She definitely had a conceited independence about her. A section of this story went on for too long about Elizabeth's aching feet...ugh. She wouldn't follow orders to rest, so everyone had to jump through hoops and move furniture from room to room to accommodate her.
Then there is Darcy with silly secrets that isn't even worth being hidden.
Caroline- Why would Caroline be allowed to enter Darcy's home after she went to his family members homes uninvited to prevent and annul the marriage? To make matters worse Darcy and Elizabeth went to stay at Netherfield with the women (Caroline) under roof who they suspect tried to murder Elizabeth? Why would Elizabeth bring Caroline tea and asking Darcy to take tea to Caroline and pull out Caroline's chair?
There were too many things that didn't make sense for me to enjoy. The book started off well.
April 29, 2021
I did not finish this book. I did not even get 25% in. The premise and the characters are so unbelievable that I could not continue. If E is in the library and suddenly it seems she is found with 2 gentlemen, then where is the compromise? You might have some rumors but they would eventually end. Also, why is Darcy hiding the secret door from lizzy and her father. Seems like an uncharacteristic response and just a way to prolong the story. Then the 4 proposals, our Lizzy would have either picked none or John Lucas. She would not want to owe anything to D. Also, E is very mean and uncharitable to D. In the book, she is defensive not offensive towards the gentleman. And Lizzy, who does not have a disposition for being melancholic, would face the force marriage with as much optimism as possible. I like variations but I like to recognize the characters in them. I cannot in this story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2021
Good book
The story was good, but the villans were over the top evil! I loved this Bingley and Darcy, however I feel the villains Did not get their comeuppance! But a good story!!!
The story was good, but the villans were over the top evil! I loved this Bingley and Darcy, however I feel the villains Did not get their comeuppance! But a good story!!!
April 24, 2025
I have opinions about this variation of Pride and Prejudice. First, it kept my attention enough to have me finish it, but it was only because I wanted the answer to the mystery set forth at the beginning of the book: who arranged for the ruination of Lizzie's sisters and Charlotte Lucas' brother?
To have the mystery NEVER answered is why this book was rated one star instead of two. Unforgivable.
Other issues I had with this variation:
1) There were many instances where the words the characters say don't match their later actions. Darcy and Lizzy constantly say they need to clear the air, that all of their issues will be out in the open, and then the scene cuts to something else without anything being resolved.
2) Lizzy is headstrong and bullish about her feelings (which is similar to her characterization to Austen's), but she is also outrageously unfair to Darcy--the part that stands out to me is the part where she states she can only rely on herself to ensure she gets justice. Such a blatant slap in the face to everything Darcy had been doing up to that point and seemed to come out of nowhere. Conversations seem to be forgotten until the moment the author needs them to create more drama, and the writing and events seem disjointed. Then characters hide their emotions for no seeming motivation, only to create more angst and drama. It makes this novel read more like a true fanfiction from an amateur writer than something polished.
3) Character reactions are strange--characters react to situations in a way that doesn't fully make sense with anger and coldness. Any closeness achieved in a previous scene seemingly disappears and it's like they're starting all over from scratch. Every. Scene.
4)Bingley is made to be incredibly smart, intuitive, and almost cool in this adaptation....but then he cannot stand up to his sister and figure out a way to trick her into revealing what has happened?
5) They made this huge deal about Wickham and Caroline seemingly working together, and then just kind of let it trickle away in the end. It's a bit sloppy.
To have the mystery NEVER answered is why this book was rated one star instead of two. Unforgivable.
Other issues I had with this variation:
1) There were many instances where the words the characters say don't match their later actions. Darcy and Lizzy constantly say they need to clear the air, that all of their issues will be out in the open, and then the scene cuts to something else without anything being resolved.
2) Lizzy is headstrong and bullish about her feelings (which is similar to her characterization to Austen's), but she is also outrageously unfair to Darcy--the part that stands out to me is the part where she states she can only rely on herself to ensure she gets justice. Such a blatant slap in the face to everything Darcy had been doing up to that point and seemed to come out of nowhere. Conversations seem to be forgotten until the moment the author needs them to create more drama, and the writing and events seem disjointed. Then characters hide their emotions for no seeming motivation, only to create more angst and drama. It makes this novel read more like a true fanfiction from an amateur writer than something polished.
3) Character reactions are strange--characters react to situations in a way that doesn't fully make sense with anger and coldness. Any closeness achieved in a previous scene seemingly disappears and it's like they're starting all over from scratch. Every. Scene.
4)Bingley is made to be incredibly smart, intuitive, and almost cool in this adaptation....but then he cannot stand up to his sister and figure out a way to trick her into revealing what has happened?
5) They made this huge deal about Wickham and Caroline seemingly working together, and then just kind of let it trickle away in the end. It's a bit sloppy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2024
I enjoyed this story but experienced one issue with it. The author didn’t resolve at approximately the same time in the story who both players were in the threat against Elizabeth and Darcy. As I read what turned out to be the denouement, I thought everything was foreshadowing the second culprit coming back for the Darcys. I kept wondering who this second player was and how they would attack. Then the author just threw out who it was in one sentence and it felt totally unnatural to me. Thus 4 stars. If so little importance was given to the secondary member of the plot, they should have been exposed at the same time. Otherwise, the author set up the storyline for an exciting twist, then didn’t utilize it. Could have been fun!
January 29, 2025
I loved Bingley in this one. He had a knack for strategy and that made him very useful. He was not just a cute puppy as often portrayed but a hunting dog that could see his way forward in the so called battle. I also loved Lizzy's compassion toward the poor whether they helped by choice or unwittingly. She was clever to save herself as well. She was a bit stubborn about her recovery but it kinda fit her. She always likes to be up and walking. Lady Catherine makes a spectacular appearance in this. I loved the scenes with her. It was a fun interpretation of her character but it was unexpected.
I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator did a good job.
I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator did a good job.
November 14, 2023
When is it preferable to accept responsibility for a compromise? Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy knows.
Setting up Miss Elizabeth Bennet for a compromise has backfired. With four proposals and the threat of, possible, ruin what's a lady to do? So, what does the perpetrator plan next ? Abduction, possibly murder or both, of course . This story sees an immense search as well as an ingenious escape. Angst runs high as our favorite two-some is unwilling to, openly communicate their feelings . This was a wonderful story. Enjoy!
Setting up Miss Elizabeth Bennet for a compromise has backfired. With four proposals and the threat of, possible, ruin what's a lady to do? So, what does the perpetrator plan next ? Abduction, possibly murder or both, of course . This story sees an immense search as well as an ingenious escape. Angst runs high as our favorite two-some is unwilling to, openly communicate their feelings . This was a wonderful story. Enjoy!
October 15, 2024
Emotional interesting funny
Definitely a must read because this was an emotional roller coaster ride from beginning to end. The humour hidden with in will catch you off guard. The extent of detail will answer the question of who done it.
I loved how Darcy was portrayed in this. Elizabeth was more relaxed (not on guard) and best of all Caroline B got hers in the end.
Low anguish throughout the story. Extremely well written with a touch of humour. Some adult content but a definite read.
Definitely a must read because this was an emotional roller coaster ride from beginning to end. The humour hidden with in will catch you off guard. The extent of detail will answer the question of who done it.
I loved how Darcy was portrayed in this. Elizabeth was more relaxed (not on guard) and best of all Caroline B got hers in the end.
Low anguish throughout the story. Extremely well written with a touch of humour. Some adult content but a definite read.
December 14, 2020
2.5 rounded up. Fun storyline about the kidnapping, and I liked Lizzy’s escape, but doesn’t really resolve at the end. The carriage accident with Darcy apparently wasn’t relevant though it seemed like it should be. I didn’t really understand the relaxed treatment of Miss Bingley. Wickham fades out and theres not much about the Bennets. Andthere just wasn’t enough of Lizzy and Darcy - we jump and we are told their feelings but not really shown them.
February 1, 2021
A Good Read, but the Title really doesn't suit.
Overall, a well written story. Upon finishing, I am a little unsatisfied with the way things turned out for the main villain. I can't pinpoint exactly.... Just that I am unsatisfied with the penance or lack thereof.
I did like the different takes on Bingley and Hurst. I would have liked to see more.
Overall, a well written story. Upon finishing, I am a little unsatisfied with the way things turned out for the main villain. I can't pinpoint exactly.... Just that I am unsatisfied with the penance or lack thereof.
I did like the different takes on Bingley and Hurst. I would have liked to see more.
February 1, 2021
Enjoyed the kidnapping plot and the fact that Elizabeth didn't sprain her ankle (That's happened far too many times). And her actual injuries were believable. I was disappointed in the number of unresolved questions in the overall story. But hurray for a Bingley who wasn't a joke waiting to happen and a more discerning Jane. I honestly like this author.
March 14, 2021
Good
This was a good book, with a definite twist to P&P and all of the other variations I have read. My one criticism is that I would have enjoyed reading more about their interactions after coming to a better understanding.
This was a good book, with a definite twist to P&P and all of the other variations I have read. My one criticism is that I would have enjoyed reading more about their interactions after coming to a better understanding.
June 2, 2021
Good easy read
The only reason I made it 4 instead of 5 stars is that I thought with all the terrible things that happened to and between Darcy and Elizabeth; we could have been taken along for the ride if all the good things.
The only reason I made it 4 instead of 5 stars is that I thought with all the terrible things that happened to and between Darcy and Elizabeth; we could have been taken along for the ride if all the good things.
June 3, 2024
I love stories where the damsel rescues herself and it fits our Lizzy perfectly. ODC worked through some pretty tough problems in this one, it’s a very exciting and entertaining book. I will be looking for more by this author.
January 5, 2021
Murder most unladylike
I'm not usually a fan of the forced marriage subgenre of Austen vagaries but this one was excellent. Who doesn't live murder/kidnap mystery
I'm not usually a fan of the forced marriage subgenre of Austen vagaries but this one was excellent. Who doesn't live murder/kidnap mystery
January 23, 2021
S'ok
Lots of excitement but from the title, I was expecting more heroics from Darcy himself. Nicely strong Bingley. Elizabeth a little too strong. Darcy disappointing in my opinion.
Lots of excitement but from the title, I was expecting more heroics from Darcy himself. Nicely strong Bingley. Elizabeth a little too strong. Darcy disappointing in my opinion.
June 14, 2021
Good story, lacked a satisfactory conclusion. The details were there, but barely.
March 25, 2022
gripping
A dark, broody and mysterious variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Harriet Knowles. Enjoyed it.
A dark, broody and mysterious variation inspired by author Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Harriet Knowles. Enjoyed it.
November 10, 2022
Exciting
Exciting! Compromise! 4 proposals! Secret passageway! Kidnapping! Attempted murder! Vicious and unrepentant villain! In a nutshell, A most enjoyable read!
Exciting! Compromise! 4 proposals! Secret passageway! Kidnapping! Attempted murder! Vicious and unrepentant villain! In a nutshell, A most enjoyable read!
January 12, 2023
Dark
Much darker than you would think pride and prejudice should be. Very angsty. VERY Angry. A lot of negatively. Good writing and engaging. Just not my cup of tea.
Much darker than you would think pride and prejudice should be. Very angsty. VERY Angry. A lot of negatively. Good writing and engaging. Just not my cup of tea.
January 27, 2023
Oh my.
Oh the suspense of who set them up.
The joy but sadness of so many proposals.
The angst of waiting...dang society.
Kidnapping!!
Will they get their happily ever after?
Oh the suspense of who set them up.
The joy but sadness of so many proposals.
The angst of waiting...dang society.
Kidnapping!!
Will they get their happily ever after?
April 24, 2023
wonderful
So loved this book. It had everything, one of my favorites this author never fails to entertain. Don’t miss this one. Good for all JAFF readers.
So loved this book. It had everything, one of my favorites this author never fails to entertain. Don’t miss this one. Good for all JAFF readers.
January 31, 2024
darling book!
Oh my goodness, such a darling book! Ups and downs, intrigue and devotion! Just a wonderful read all the way around!
Oh my goodness, such a darling book! Ups and downs, intrigue and devotion! Just a wonderful read all the way around!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews